The 2010 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Show

The 2010 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists presented their designs to a packed audience at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood yesterday. The annual fashion show (the competition’s last challenge before a winner is announced in November) traditionally takes place in the hotel garden. This year, however, a very un-L.A.-like drizzle forced the event into the lounge. “Yes, I am English. No, I did not bring this weather,” joked Vogue’s Mark Holgate before introducing the ten finalists, each of whom showed five spring/summer 2011 looks to a crowd that included Erin Wasson, Bee Shaffer, Mena Suvari, and Michelle Alves.

After the show concluded and the rain let up, guests ventured into the garden (which was protected by a transparent tent) for an afternoon tea hosted by Frédéric Fekkai and Vogue’s Lisa Love, whose daughter, Laura, modeled in the show. Joseph Altuzarra was pleasantly surprised to see Love walk the runway in one of his designs. “I spotted her at a party during New York Fashion Week and thought, That girl is amazing.”

Over macaroons and cups of Earl Grey, guests sung the sartorial praises of the finalists. Outfitted in Christian Cota, Eva Mendes admitted that she was partial to the designer’s breezy dresses and digital prints. Marisa Tomei applauded menswear designer Billy Reid’s flair for outerwear—herself channeling a tomboy vibe in a navy Boy by Band of Outsiders blazer and capri pants. Meanwhile, West Coast fashion insiders paid homage to L.A.-based womenswear designer Gregory Parkinson. “I’m all for favoritism,” quipped Parkinson of his hometown advantage. Of course, at the end of the day everyone agreed with actress Emily Mortimer’s sentiment that, when it came to this year’s finalists, “there wasn’t a weak link in the bunch.” “Honestly,” said Mortimer, “I don’t envy the judges. I couldn’t pick the winner.”